Abstract: A tongue retaining system is disclosed herein generally having, in one variation, a two-part system. A covering can be sized to fit at least partially over or upon a tongue of a patient, where the covering has an engagement mechanism positioned thereon. A retaining device, sized to fit within a mouth of the patient, may be positioned upon the teeth and have a corresponding engagement mechanism positioned thereon for temporarily coupling with the engagement mechanism on the covering. Such a system can be used to maintain or hold a natural position of the tongue within the mouth of the patient to maintain patency of the airway passages.

Abstract: Improved delivery of additive materials to mainstream smoke produced by smoking articles is provided through the use of a temperature sensitive powder containing an additive material, such as a flavor component, in a smoking article such as a cigarette. The temperature sensitive powder is subjected to heat which causes the temperature sensitive powder to release at least a portion of the additive material into mainstream smoke. The temperature sensitive powder encapsulates the additive materials and other portions of the smoking articles, such as sorbents or filter materials, in order to reduce additive material migration during storage.

Abstract: A cigar drill disguised to appear like a typical writing instrument is provided. The cigar drill is designed to create the proper sized smoke passageway in cigars of arbitrary size, rather than limiting the user to one or two sizes of smoke passageways.

Abstract: A device (4) for detecting the density and/or humidity of tobacco and/or the presence of foreign substances; the device (4) having a microwave resonator (5), which includes a substantially cylindrical metal body (10) with an axial through hole (13), and an L-shaped chamber (11) inside the body (10).

Abstract: A tobacco smoking mixture and/or a cigarette wrapper with high-temperature ammonia-release agents therein are provided, wherein the high-temperature ammonia-release agents are present in an amount effective to reduce the cytotoxicity of gas phase or particulate matter formed during smoking of the cigarette. The high-temperature ammonia-release agents are capable of reducing the cytotoxicity of gas phase or particulate matter by evolving ammonia at temperatures greater than about 200° C., wherein the ammonia can interact with the particulate matter. Additionally, the high-temperature ammonia-release agents can be formed by heating an aqueous mixture of an iron precursor compound, an ammonia source compound and an acid.

Abstract: The currently available artificial nails swell as a whole and undergo deformation, which damages the commercial value thereof. Moreover, they suffer from another problem of not evenly glowing as a whole due to the occurrence of some non-glowing spaces. In an airtight hollow container having a roughly crescent-shaped cross section and having light-permeability and flexibility, therefore, a space free from capillary action is ensured at the inside of an area joining the lower wall and the upper wall. Then, one of two kinds of compositions, which show chemical luminescence when mixed together, is packed in a breakable glass ampule in the airtight hollow container while the other composition is packed outside the glass ampule in the airtight hollow container.

Abstract: A handheld device for performing motorized filing with illumination of the filed surface at the point of contact is disclosed. The device is comprised of a translucent file attached to a shaft that contains a light-emitting diode disposed to transilluminate the file. The device also contains a motor to rotate said shaft and file as well as a power source. The device will provide more effective and efficient trimming of the nails of an infant, filing and shaping of the nails of an adult, and sanding, filing, or polishing of other surfaces.

Abstract: A dulling assembly includes a corrugated bundle having a plurality of generally vertically oriented planar paperboard sheets with fluted paperboard sheets located therebetween, each fluted paperboard sheet being adhered to the two planar paperboard sheets it is located between, and a plurality of grains of sand adhered with glue to a top surface of the corrugated bundle. A method of creating a dulling assembly includes the steps of providing a corrugated bundle, applying glue to a top surface of the corrugated bundle; and applying sand to the top surface of the corrugated bundle.

Abstract: A comb (100) includes a spine (4) and, extending from the spine in adjacent, substantially parallel planes, a first outer row of teeth (31), a central row of teeth (33) and a second outer row of teeth (32) opposed to the first outer row of teeth. The teeth (10) of the first and second outer rows of teeth and of the central row of teeth are substantially a same length. Spacing of the teeth of the central row (33) is different from spacing of the teeth of the first and second outer rows (31, 32) with the spacing of the teeth being arranged for the removal of head lice and/or nits and/or head lice eggs and/or fleas from combed hair or fur.

Abstract: A novel system for coloring the sclera of a human eye, including steps of accessing the sclera, drying a portion of the sclera, applying one or more colorants to the dried portion of the sclera, drying the colorant, and closing access to the sclera. The system avoids tattooing, implanting, and corneal modification. Permanent results may be obtained. Colorants may be coatings or stains.

Abstract: A novel system for an iris of the human eye includes drying the tissue surface, applying colorant to the dried surface, and then drying the applied colorant. The system avoids tattooing, implanting, and corneal modification. Permanent results may be obtained. Colorants may be coatings or stains. Blown gas is controllably infused to maintain a constant pressure in the anterior chamber, and the blown gas is turned on and off by opening a path to the outside of the eye and closing such path, respectively.

Abstract: A textile, such as a hairpiece, includes a plurality of fiber single-ply threads. The plurality of fiber single-ply threads are grouped such that designs may be created on desired portions of the plurality of fiber single-ply threads, such as a decolorized portion. The textile includes a fixed part to hold the fiber single-ply threads. A variety of techniques may be used to create a design on the plurality of fiber single-ply threads with precision. For example, various dispersion dyes on transcription paper could be applied to a surface of the single-ply threads with a heat pressing process. The textile, exhibiting designs on a plurality of fiber single-ply threads, is also configured to be attached or adorned.

Abstract: Eyelash extensions and a method for applying the same are described. The eyelash extensions comprise a first filament having both a proximal end and a distal portion with a distal end. The method for applying the eyelash extensions comprises acts of fastening the user's eyelashes against the user's face and attaching multiple layers of eyelash extensions (the proximal end) to the user's eyelashes. Each of the multiple layers is applied one layer at a time, thereby providing a user with eyelashes having eyelash extensions attached thereto.

Abstract: A hair dye composition including a first part containing an alkaline agent and a second part containing an oxidizing agent, which are mixed together immediately before use, wherein at least one of the first part and the second part contains a diazacycloheptane represented by the following general formula (1) or a salt thereof, and the pH of the mixture is 7.5 to 12; wherein Z represents a hydroxy group, a primary amino group, or a C1 to C4 acyloxy group; R1 and R2 represent H or a C1 to C4 alkyl group which may be branched; and R3 represents H, a C1 to C6 alkyl or C1 to C6 alkoxy group which may be branched, or an aralkyl or aryl group, having a total of 12 or less carbon atoms, which may have been substituted by one or more C1 to C4 alkyl or alkoxy groups.

Abstract: Stylin Kombs address the problem of separating hair that is not being styled from the portion that is being styled without the use of pins, short combs, rubber band or braiding. Styling hair can be a quicker process once the “komb” which fits the hair is pressed down onto the hair that needs to be separated while the other hair is being worked on. Once the stylist is ready for more hair to work with the Stylin Komb is then pulled upward and removed from the separated portion of the hair and placed on to the next part of the hair that needs to be separated. This process is repeated until the styling process is completed. Stylin kombs can also be used to part the hair during the hair separation process. This “komb” can also be used an accessory with or without decorative flowers, cords and ribbon. This komb is very versatile because it can be changed into a hair accessory beautifies any hair style or type.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a cosmetic, such as mascara to eyelashes, includes a handle, a boss coupled to the handle, and a stem defining a longitudinal stem axis and having a first end coupled to the handle and a second end, wherein the stem first end comprises a stem extension defining a socket sized to rotatably engage the boss. The apparatus further comprises an applicator head coupled to the stem. An actuator is operatively coupled to the applicator head for moving the applicator head in a vibrational motion. The actuator comprises an electric motor having a rotating motor shaft and an eccentric weight coupled to the motor shaft. Rotation of the eccentric weight generates a vibratory force.

Abstract: A U-shaped closure comprises a top hair net and top decorative hair attached to the top hair net. The top hair net comprises a front portion that is adapted to correspond to the forehead of a user when the top hair piece is attached to the user's existing hair, and a rear portion that corresponds to the user's existing hair when the top hair piece is attached to the user's existing hair. The top decorative hair is attached to the rear portion of the top hair net. The top hair net comprises a U-shaped recess. The U-shaped recess is formed by cutting the top hair net from the front portion and into the rear portion, so that the user's existing hair passes through the U-shaped recess.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of cosmetic powder containers and dispensers and particularly to a cosmetic powder dispenser with measured dispensing mechanism. The present invention is particularly easy to use and cost effective by allowing the consumer to dispense only the desired amount of the cosmetic powder by providing a measured dispensing mechanism, and at the same time allow the consumer to apply the cosmetic powder evenly to the brush head by providing an application surface to manipulate the cosmetic powder evenly onto the brush head.

Abstract: A technique is provided for monitoring and controlling surface contaminants on optical elements contained within the optical path (or sub-path) of an optical metrology instrument. The technique may be utilized in one embodiment in such a manner as to not require that additional components and/or instrumentation be coupled to, or integrated into, existing metrology equipment. Surface contaminants on optical elements within an optical metrology instrument are monitored so that cleaning procedures can be performed as deemed necessary. The cleaning procedures may include the use of exposing the optical elements to optical radiation. The optical metrology instrument may be an instrument which operates at wavelengths that include vacuum ultra-violet (VUV) wavelengths.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for cleaning solar panels by means of a washing apparatus (1) which can be displaced on the solar panel (2) and applies rinsing water to the surface of the solar panel (2) and washes the surface with the help of washing nozzles and/or brushes. The washing apparatus (1) embraces the solar panel (2) in the edge region in such a way that the washing apparatus (1) is guided in a longitudinally movable way directly on the solar panel (2).

Abstract: A device and method for cleaning and sanitizing water bottles and consumable liquid containers such as soda and juice bottles. The device positions a cleaning pad immediately adjacent to the container available for employment by a user during opening of the container by removing a cap. The cleaning pad may be housed in a container affixed to the cap of the drink container or may be housed within a cavity formed integral to the cap covering the drink container.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a jet engine includes a supply device configured to make cleaning medium available, a nozzle device configured to introduce the cleaning medium into the jet engine, and a line connection between the supply device and the nozzle device. The cleaning medium can be solid carbon dioxide. A system including a jet engine and the apparatus. A method for cleaning a jet engine using solid carbon dioxide.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of using an automatic washing machine to determine a concentration of a wash aid in a wash liquid, and implementing a controlled flushing of the wash aid in response to the determined concentration.

Abstract: A control method of a washing machine is capable of safely achieving a tub washing operation control with low power consumption. At the time of performing tub washing, water of which the amount is decided depending on a volume inside a drum and a volume inside a water tub is supplied to the water tub, and the rotation speed of the drum is controlled to be inversely proportional to the volume of the supplied water, thereby efficiently controlling a tub washing operation with low power consumption. Also, the rotation state of the drum is controlled, at the time of performing the tub washing, to maintain the temperature of a motor or a printed circuit board (PCB) to be a predetermined level or less, thereby safely controlling a tub washing operation with low power consumption.

Abstract: A method for on-line cleaning of a heat exchanger in an ethanol plant, including providing heat exchanger, wherein said heat exchanger has an inlet, and an internal surface, wherein said internal surface has accumulated undesired solids; providing an antifoaming agent to said inlet, during normal operation; providing a caustic to said inlet, during normal operation, and cleaning the internal surface of said accumulated undesired solids, during normal operation is provided.

Abstract: A method for cleaning exchangers including providing a heat exchanger with a liquid contact side and a vapor contact side, providing acid to clean the liquid contact side, and providing caustic to clean the vapor contact side is provided. In the method, the exchanger may be a beer preheater. In the method, the acid may be sulfamic acid. In the method, the liquid contact side may be the beer side. In the method, the exchanger may be a plate-in-frame heat exchanger or a a shell-and-tube heat exchanger. In the method, the acid may be provided from a central storage tank. In the method, there may be a recirculation pump. In the method, the acid may be provided from a local storage tank.

Abstract: A water-conducting household appliance and a method for disinfecting a conduit system of a water-conducting household appliance. The method feeds a gaseous disinfectant into a liquid circulating in the conduit system. The water-conducting household appliance includes a conduit system for circulating liquid, and a disinfector with a gas injector for injecting a gaseous disinfectant into a liquid circulating in the conduit system.

Abstract: A method for flushing at least a portion of a bulk dispensing system in a household cleaning appliance.

Abstract: Compositions for removing scale and/or inhibiting formation thereof include an alkaline agent, a primary scale inhibitor, a secondary scale inhibitor and a solvent. The primary scale inhibitor may include phosphonic acid, salts of phosphonic acids and combinations thereof. Suitable secondary scale inhibitor may include aminocarboxylic acids, salts of aminocarboxylic acids, carboxylic acids, salts of carboxylic acids, polycarboxylic acids, salts of polycarboxylic acids, gluconic acids, salts of gluconic acids, steroids, tetrapyrrols, ionophores, 2,2?-bipyridine, dimercaptopropanol, ortho-phenanthroline and combinations thereof. The compositions may be prepared as a stable concentrates that have pH values greater than or equal to 11. The compositions may also be prepared on site as a use solution. Methods of using the compositions to extend system operating times and to remove scale from and/or inhibit formation of scale on an article are also disclosed.

Abstract: A water-conducting domestic appliance, in particular a domestic dishwasher, the water-conducting domestic appliance including a washing compartment for receiving items therein that are to be subjected to a washing cycle by the water-conducting domestic appliance; a detergent dosing system, the detergent dosing system having a detergent dispenser with a receiving compartment, the receiving area for receiving at least one cartridge that is configured to hold at least one detergent; and a cartridge having separate chambers for storing at least two detergents, each chamber having a storage capacity for storing detergent that is greater than a quantity of detergent required for one washing cycle.

Abstract: An apparatus with water flow paths suitable for a household cleaning appliance having both a non-bulk dispensing system and a bulk dispensing system.

Abstract: A conveyor-type warewash machine includes a housing through which racks of wares are passed along a conveyance path for cleaning. A rack drive system includes a rack engaging structure that moves back and forth in first and second directions. When moving in the first direction, the rack engaging structure moves an adjacent rack forward along the conveyance path. When moving in the second direction, the rack engaging structure leaves the adjacent rack substantially stationary. The drive system is configured to move the rack engaging structure in the first direction at a first average speed and to move the rack engaging structure in the second direction at a second average speed. The second average speed is faster than the first average speed so that the adjacent rack spends more time moving forward than being stationary. A seal assembly may be provided about a drive shaft of the drive system.

Abstract: The invention presented comprises an operation system in which items to be processed by an operator, such as a washer/dryer, bulk sterilizer, or kiln, are fed into and removed from the operator by a continuous conveyor. A microcontroller controls actuators in loading zones distributed along the conveyor that switch the individual loading zones from bypass to push mode to alternately allow the items to remain stationary on the moving conveyor or be moved to a downstream loading zone when in the push mode. In a preferred embodiment, at least one loading zone is located at least partly within the operator.

Abstract: An adding device for dishwashers includes a fillable supply chamber for receiving a tablet-type detergent or rinsing agent. The supply chamber is arranged and configured in such a way that, when the adding device is in an operational position in the dishwasher, the detergent or rinsing agent can escape from the supply chamber into the rinsing area in a non-impeded manner in the direction of gravity. As a result, no substantial detergent residues remain in the supply chamber after the cleaning or rinsing program has come to an end. This results in the addition of cleaner into the dishwasher in an improved, reliable manner.

Abstract: A water-conducting household appliance includes a washing chamber defining a washing volume in which items to be washed are disposed and a storage container disposed in the washing chamber for retaining items at a predetermined storage location within the washing volume. A spray device is provided that is operable to spray at least one jet of liquid and a dissolving chamber having a chamber floor with at least one aperture is mounted to the storage container. The aperture has a longitudinal extent such that the aperture has a slot-like configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus with a single water flow path suitable for a household cleaning appliance having both a non-bulk dispensing system and a bulk dispensing system.

Abstract: A portable food washer may be used in any kitchen with a standard kitchen sink. The food washer includes a chamber adapted to receive food between a first and second wash water spray sources. The spray sources are connected to a wash water supply line that may be selectively connected to a kitchen faucet. A timer is used to control the supply of water to the wash water spray sources. A cleaning solution reservoir may be used to supply a produce cleaning agent to the streams of wash water. The user may place the food on a rack between the spray sources, turn the water source on, and set the timer for the appropriate amount of time for the produce being washed. The washer then functions until the timer shuts down the spray sources or until the water is turned off.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes: a supply nozzle that supplies cleaning liquid to inside of a vessel holding liquid for cleaning the inside of the vessel and is arranged to have a space between an outer wall surface of the supply nozzle and an entire inner wall surface of the vessel when the supply nozzle is inserted into the vessel; and a discharge nozzle that has an end positioned at an upper portion of the vessel and discharges the cleaning liquid supplied by the supply nozzle to outside of the vessel. The supply nozzle has an inner diameter area larger than an area of a section where the liquid is held on a cross section of the vessel including a part of the supply nozzle inserted into the vessel.

Abstract: A solar PV module comprises an array of serially interconnected spaced PV solar cells on a common substrate, each cell comprising a 1st electrode on said substrate, an active PV film on the 1st electrode, a 2nd electrode, at least one of said electrodes being light transmitting and wherein the 2nd electrode of the nth solar cell of the array is connected to the 1st electrode of the succeeding, (n+1)th cell of the array via a portion of PV film which has a substantially higher conductivity than the remainder of the PV film. The novel structure of the present invention is achieved by substantially increasing the conductivity of a continuous light absorbing PV film in the area of desired electrical contact by doping the film in the desired areas.

Abstract: A photovoltaic electrochromic device includes a semi-transparent thin-film solar cell substrate, an electrochromic solution, and a transparent non-conductive substrate, wherein the electrochromic solution is located between the transparent non-conductive substrate and the semi-transparent thin-film solar cell substrate. The semi-transparent thin-film solar cell substrate includes a transparent substrate and a plurality of thin-film solar cells, wherein the anodes and the cathodes of the thin-film solar cells are also used as the anodes and the cathodes of the photovoltaic electrochromic device. Because a driving voltage of the electrochromic solution is low, the thickness of an intrinsic layer in each of the thin-film solar cells can be thinned, which increases the transmittance of the photovoltaic electrochromic device. Besides, the current output of the photovoltaic electrochromic device can be controlled by an additional output switch layout coupled with the thin-film solar cells.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a transparent substrate (6) having at least one antireflection coating, made from a film (A) comprising multiple thin layers of alternately high and low refractive indexes. The multilayer film comprises, in succession: a high-index first layer (1), having a refractive index n1 of between 1.8 and 2.3 and a geometrical thickness e1 of between 5 and 50 nm; a low-index second layer (2), having a refractive index n2 of between 1.30 and 1.70 and a geometrical thickness e2 of between 5 and 50 nm; a high-index third layer (3), having a refractive index n3 of between 1.8 and 2.3 and a geometrical thickness e3 of at least 100 nm; a low-index fourth layer (4), having a refractive index n4 of between 1.30 and 1.70 and a geometrical thickness e4 of at least 80 nm. This antireflection coating can be used in solar modules.

Abstract: A self-propelled solar tracking apparatus includes a multi-layer solar panel, a body, a lifting device and a moving device. The multi-layer solar panel carries the solar cell modules and includes a first layer, a second layer and a third layer. The first layer includes a first track assembly and a second track assembly. The first track assembly locates at one side of the first layer, and the second track assembly locates at the opposite side of the first layer. The second layer locates above the first layer and slidiably connects to the first layer. The third layer locates above the second layer and slidably connects to the first layer. The body has a hollow space to retrieve the multi-layer solar panel. The lifting device connects the multi-layer solar panel with the body. The moving device demountably connects the bottom of the body.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device may include a housing having a transparent pupil receiving a collimated beam of radiation, and photovoltaic cell arrays being positioned on respective inner surfaces of the housing, each photovoltaic cell array sensing a respective spectral range of the radiation different from the other photovoltaic cell arrays. The photovoltaic device may further include dichroic filters being positioned along an optical axis of the transparent pupil and splitting the collimated beam into a corresponding divided beams of different spectrums, and mirrors corresponding to the divided beams. Each mirror may have reflecting surfaces, receive a respective divided beam, subdivide the received divided beam into reflected beams from the reflecting surfaces, and illuminate an active area of a photovoltaic cell of the respective array.

Abstract: Systems and methods that regulate (e.g., in real time) heat dissipation from solar concentrators. A heat regulating assembly removes heat from the PV cells and other hot regions, to maintain the temperature gradient within predetermined levels. A control component can regulate (e.g., automatically) operation of valves (which the cooling medium flows through) based on sensor data (e.g., measurement of temperature, pressure, flow rate, velocity of the cooling medium, and the like throughout the system.

Abstract: A solar cell module includes: solar cells; wiring members electrically connecting the solar cells to each other; and a reflecting plate disposed between a light receiving surface side protection member and the solar cells. Each of the wiring members has a connecting portion connected to a light receiving surface of each of the solar cells. The reflecting plate is disposed over connecting portions 11a of the wiring members 11. A top surface of the reflecting plate has light reflectivity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar power generation assembly and method for providing same involving an array of solar generating modules on a dual-incline structure, which can achieve high energy yields over a wide range of azimuths/orientations. The assembly consists of canopy wings providing for the dual-incline structure, where, depending on specifications, the canopy wings can differ in length, width, angle of inclination, structural material and solar module or other material mounted on the surface. The canopy wings may be pivoted or hinged to enhance the energy generation and/or other functional benefits of the assembly or system, including display elements, advertising, rainwater/precipitation and snow drainage and collection and energy transmission.

Abstract: A bipolar solar cell includes a backside junction formed by a silicon substrate and a first doped layer of a first dopant type on the backside of the solar cell. A second doped layer of a second dopant type makes an electrical connection to the substrate from the front side of the solar cell. A first metal contact of a first electrical polarity electrically connects to the first doped layer on the backside of the solar cell, and a second metal contact of a second electrical polarity electrically connects to the second doped layer on the front side of the solar cell. An external electrical circuit may be electrically connected to the first and second metal contacts to be powered by the solar cell.

Abstract: A photovoltaic cell of high efficiency may be obtained using metallic nanoparticles or nanostructures as the main light absorbing element in the photosensitive layer of the cell, which absorb the light through a surface plasmon or polaron mechanism. The cell comprises at least one photosensitive layer containing nanoparticles or nanostructures each between a n-doped and a p-doped charge transport layer, characterized in that • the nanoparticles or nanostructures are the main light absorbing element in the photosensitive layer, • the nanoparticles or nanostructures have metallic conductivity and absorb near infrared, visible and/or ultraviolet light through a surface plasmon or polaron mechanism, and • the nanoparticles or nanostructures have at least one of their dimensions of size between 0.1 and 500 nm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photovoltaic device (1), comprising a photovoltaic acceptor material (7) and a photovoltaic donor material (10), in which the photovoltaic device (1) comprises at least two carrier layers (2, 3), of which one carrier layer (2) has n-doped electron donors (6) and the other carrier layer has acceptor material (7) as p-doped or undoped electron acceptors, wherein the carrier layers (2, 3) are arranged with respect to one another such that they touch one another at least in sections, and the carrier layers (2, 3) are wetted or coated in filmlike fashion with a photovoltaic donor material (10). The carrier layers (2, 3), which are formed in particular from fibres (6, 7) composed of silicon carbide SiC, enable textile solar cells. Methods for producing the fibres (6, 7) and for producing the photovoltaic device (1) and textile structures formed therefrom are furthermore described.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a material used for producing a sheet for sealing a solar cell which is excellent in mechanical strength, solar cell sealing property and transparency if the material is not cross-linked. The thermoplastic resin composition of the present invention for sealing a solar cell is characterized by comprising: (A) 0 to 70 parts by weight of a propylene-based polymer having a melting point of 100° C. or higher and (B) 30 to 100 parts by weight of a propylene-based copolymer satisfying the following requisite (b); (b): MFR (230° C., load: 2.16 kg) falls in a range of 0.